AN ACT TO AMEND CHAPTER 59, TITLE 29, DELAWARE CODE, TO PROVIDE FOR VACANT POSITIONS IN PAY GRADES 5-10 TO BE FILLED BY AGENCY RECRUITMENT EFFORTS AND TO GIVE EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCE TO THE UNEMPLOYED WITH NO OTHER SOURCE OF INCOME SURPASSING POVERTY LEVEL.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Delaware:

Section 1. Amend §5919, Chapter 59, Title 29, Delaware Code by adding at the end thereof the following new sentence to read as follows:

"Vacant positions in pay grades 5-10 will be filled by agency recruitment efforts unless use of an eligibility list is federally required."

Section 2. Amend §5921, Chapter 59, Title 29, Delaware Code by adding at the end thereof the following:

"except as provided in §5919 of this Chapter"

Section 3. Amend Chapter 59, Title 29, Delaware Code by adding thereto a new §5939 to read as follows:

"§5939. Preference for Unemployed.

In any case where two or more equally qualified persons are seeking employment with the State under the provisions of this Chapter, preference shall be given to unemployed residents of the State of Delaware, provided such residents' other sources of income do not place them above the poverty level as established by Federal government standards."